February 3, 2025

Black History Month profile: Dr. Wanda Chukwu

Dr. Wanda Chukwu

Chukwu, Schoolcraft College’s Associate Dean of Nursing, credits her strong upbringing for helping her develop and embrace her identity and culture.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Family helped build Dr. Wanda Chukwu into the person she is today.

Chukwu, the Associate Dean of Nursing, credits her strong upbringing for helping her develop and embrace her identity and culture.

“Affirmations and open discussions were always a cornerstone of our family life. It wasn’t just about speaking positive words, but about truly believing in them and using them as tools for growth. My mom and her sisters, who I admired so much, were the epitome of grace,” she said. “They carried themselves with confidence and a quiet strength that came from knowing who they were and embracing their purpose. They also deeply valued the power of gratitude, which was woven into the fabric of our daily lives.”

A mindset of “what are you going to do about it?” emphasizing personal responsibility and power of choice, has been a guiding principle in her life. That has led Chukwu to the nursing profession, a passion which has deepened throughout the years.

Her desire to create change stems from her experiences early on in her career, which saw her not fully grasp the impact of being an active participant in shaping nursing policies that can directly influence patient outcomes.

“Over time, my awareness has expanded, and I now understand how crucial it is to be a thought leader within the field,” Chukwu said. “Systemic health disparities have an impact on our society. Issues like mental health, low birth rates, limited access to care, chronic diseases, and pregnancy-related mortalities are not just statistics — they are real challenges that affect life expectancies and quality of life for many patients.”

In addition to her role at Schoolcraft College as an associate dean, Chukwu also co-hosts “Voices for Nurses,” a podcast dedicated to exploring issues with Michigan health care and connects listeners to guests with important topics.

“It’s been a unique opportunity to connect with other thought leaders in the field and have meaningful conversations that bring valuable knowledge to our community,” she said. “It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m excited for all the amazing guests who continue to share their expertise.”

That passion extends to her time at Schoolcraft College, where she helps lead a crucial field of study preparing students to enter the health care workforce. Being surrounded by students, especially first-generation students, is a reminder of her own struggles and what led her to where she is today.

“The part of my story I sometimes forget to share is how much it’s evolved. If you were to call my house today and ask for Dr. Chukwu, I’d have to ask, “Which one?” My children didn’t have to wonder if college was in their future — they knew it was a given,” she said. “That same dedication I have for my own family, I bring with me every day when I work with students on this campus. It’s personal to me, and I want them to know that I’m fully invested in their success, just like I am for my own.”


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